LDS Church leaders in Derby, Kansas called the police to escort Natasha Helfer and her peacefully assembled supporters off of Church property tonight, April 18. Natasha had been summoned to a disciplinary council. Two police cars are shown in the middle of the image. The total number was reportedly three cars. The stake president who was supposedly in charge is Stephen Daley.
Natasha arrived at the church with her witnesses and signed an agreement to not record the proceeding. Her phone had her talking points and data on it, but the church officials demanded she give it to them. She refused because it also had some personal, private notes on it. The officials would not go forward, and refused to allow her and her temple-recommend holding witnesses to even use the restroom and escorted them out with police presence. Four of the witnesses were women, including Jody England Hansen.
Ultimately, President Russell M. Nelson has “command responsibility” over Stake President Daley.
When Natasha stood at the Church stake center door she was not merely representing herself. Rather she was a proxy for all of us who have been traumatized by sexual shaming and unrighteous dominion.
Isaac Barnes May and Samuel S. Wells Article
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First they came for the September Six, and I did not speak out—because I was not a scholar.
Then they came for Kate Kelly, and I did not speak out—because I was not a feminist.
Then they came for John Dehlin, and I did not speak out—because I was not a podcaster.
Then they came for Sam Young, and I did not speak out—because I was not a street activist.
Then they came for Natasha, and I did not speak out—because I was not a psychotherapist.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
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(Actually, I have written support message for Sam and Natasha.)
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Sadly, there appears to be a Spring 2021 purge occurring in the Church. Neesha and Kyle Brost recently resigned under threat of excommunication.
– Tom Irvine
SCMC Friends 